Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have surprised fans with the announcement of Nioh 3, the latest installment in the acclaimed soulslike action RPG series. The game introduces two distinct combat styles—Samurai, focusing on traditional swordplay, and Ninja, emphasizing agility and stealth. What's even more exciting is that players can dive into the action immediately with a free demo available now on PlayStation 5.

The Nioh franchise, which debuted in 2017, has captivated players with its deep combat mechanics and rich Japanese mythology. The first game followed William Adams, an Irish sailor turned samurai, while Nioh 2 explored the story of Hidechiyo, a half-yokai warrior. Now, Nioh 3 promises to expand the series' legacy with even more dynamic gameplay.

The announcement of Nioh 3 came during Sony's June State of Play presentation, which also featured other major reveals like 007 First Light by IO Interactive and MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, a collaboration between PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works, and Marvel Games.

Fans of the series will be delighted to know that Nioh 3 retains the beloved character creation feature from Nioh 2. Additionally, Team Ninja has introduced two combat styles:

• Samurai Style: A refined version of the classic combat system, offering precise swordplay and powerful strikes.
• Ninja Style: A faster, more agile approach with emphasis on dodging, aerial maneuvers, and stealth tactics.

The developers have also expressed their eagerness to gather player feedback during the demo period, ensuring the final release meets fan expectations.

The announcement has sparked excitement among the soulslike community, with many praising Nioh 2 as one of their favorite games. Some fans have raised questions about the return of mechanics like Yokai Shift and Living Weapon, as well as the possibility of importing Nioh 2 characters into the new game.

Earlier this year, Team Ninja teased its 30th-anniversary plans for 2025, and the Nioh 3 reveal was a major highlight. While fans speculated about potential Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden projects, the studio delivered with Nioh 3 and a new Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound trailer, a side-scrolling action game set to release in July 2025.